Left Behind: When America Surrendered WW2

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the origins of Left Behind podcast and some of the people highlighted so far in the podcast’s first 60 episodes. This episode was originally given as a presentation at the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society co-conference in April 2024 in Houston, Texas. The presentation has been recorded here since the original wasn’t recorded.   Watch the video of this presentation on YouTube   Listen to the full episodes about the men and women mentioned in this episode: Alma Salm–The inspiration for Left BehindHarry Whitman – Salm’s marching companion to Cabanatuan POW CampFrank Pyzick – Marine Major who announced WW2Alexander Nininger – 1st Medal of Honor recipient in WW2Jose Calugas – Only Filipino to receive the Medal of Honor in WW2Willibald Bianchi – Third and final man to receive the Medal of Honor on BataanJim Daly – Was in a field hospital when Bataan surrenderedEunice Hatchitt – Escaped from The Philippines, followed Patton’s army through EuropeFather William Cummings – Performed the Easter morning miracle on BataanCanopus Storekeepers – Hid from Japanese in a civilian internment campThe iconic Bataan Death March photoLast photo smuggled off Corregidor IslandCrew of the USS Quail who escaped to AustraliaIrving Strobing – Sent last message off CorregidorRay Hunt – Escaped Bataan Death March to become a wanted guerillaLucy Wilson – Became a flight nurse to find her fiancéMarcos Macorro – Served with his father in Coast ArtilleryDan Figuracion – Part of last cavalry charge in US Army historyFelipe Fernandez – Led his men in last-minute escape from Bataan

An inside look into the infamous “Zero Ward,” so named because POWs who went there had zero chance of returning. And one man’s relentless work to bring one of them home.   Learn more about John Eakin’s work to bring Bud Kelder and other unidentified men home: Interview with Eakin (Left Behind episode 18) BataanMissing.com – A Resource for Families of All US MIA's   You can see images and maps about Bud Kelder’s and Silas Whaley’s stories at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript & sources)Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  Left Behind Facebook page    Wanna know more? Check out these Left Behind episodes mentioned in this episode: The march to Cabanatuan POW Camps, which Pvt. Silas Whaley endured (episode 53)Bataan Field Hospital #2, where Pvt. Bud Kelder was stationed (episode 25) More about Bataan Hospital #2 (episode 40)How Willibald Bianchi received the Medal of Honor (episode 20)

In this special Memorial Day episode, we’re remembering 5 remarkable men who were Killed in Action, sacrificing their all to defend their country and The Philippine Islands during the early months of World War 2.   Hear the full stories of the men highlighted in this episode: Capt. Colin Kelly -- pilot of first B-17 bomber downed in WW2 (episode #4)Lt. James Booher -- KIA at Bataan airfield (episode #7)Lt. Alexander "Sandy" Nininger -- First WW2 Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (episode #16)Lt. Ira Cheaney -- Missing on Bataan for 80 years (episode #17)Capt. Noel Castle -- Marine marksman killed during Corregidor invasion (episode 44)   Share memorial tributes to these men by visiting Left Behind on Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Left-Behind-Podcast/100092698653154/

Four young American POWs attempted to escape from the Cabanatuan POW Camp.   After being caught, they endured brutal punishment, forced to dig their graves, and executed by firing squad.   But, by war’s end, their burial location couldn’t be found. Would their remains ever be located, and would their murderer be brought to justice?     I mentioned the following episodes in today’s episode: #53 – Attacks on Manila Bay’s harbor defense forts #55 – March to Cabanatuan   You’ll find images and maps about these men’s story at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript with sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

What if you could visit the Manila American Cemetery without leaving your home? Or walk the rows of in Normandy and discover each man's story?   That's what the Memory Anchor Explorer app allows anyone, anywhere to do.   Join me in an inspiring conversation with the apps co-founders to discover how they’re shaping the future of commemoration through technology.   DOWNLOAD the Memory Anchor App wherever you get apps, including: Apple App StoreGoogle Play   I’ve worked with Memory Anchor to add these men featured on “Left Behind": Lynn Weeman (episode 26)James Booher (episode 7)Francis Bridget (episode 13)Noel Castle (episode 44)James Gallagher (episode 27)Don Robins (episode 4)Norman Thenell (episode 32)Walter Wernher (episode 41)   You’ll find images of the Memory Anchor Explorer app online at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

In late May 1942, American POWs captured on Corregidor endured a hellish train ride and march to Cabanatuan’s infamous POWs camps. Among them was Navy Ensign Whitman, who, weakened by malaria and lack of food and water, struggled to keep pace with the relentless march. Despite comrades' aid, Whitman's condition worsened. And as his strength waned, he collapsed, left by the roadside as his fellow prisoners pressed on.   Check out these other “Left Behind” episodes mentioned in Whitman’s story: #1 – Frank Pyzick – one of 3 POWs who inspired the “Left Behind” journey #13 – The Naval Battalion’s unlikely efforts to hold off a Japanese invasion #50 – Details of what Whitman endured at the 92nd Garage POW camp #41 – Highlights Walter Wernher, a Cabanatuan Camp #2 POW #32 – Inside the brutal Death March ending – Camp O’Donnell   You’ll find images and maps about Whitman’s story at: - Left Behind Website (includes sources and transcript) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

WW2 reenactor Victor Verano brings history to life through immersive experiences. In this fun and informative interview, he'll share his experiences at large WW2 reenactments, encounters with WWII veterans, and exploration of battlefields. You'll really enjoy Victor's passion for living history, which enriches our understanding of the past.   Here’s the link to Victor’s first Left Behind interview about his reenactment work with the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.     You’ll find images of Victor Verano’s reenactment and other living history experiences online at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript)Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast Left Behind Facebook

The fates of two servicemen – a career Army officer and a young medical doctor – intertwined during the harrowing siege at Fort Frank, a small island defense in Manila Bay. From the front lines to captivity at Cabanatuan POW Camp, they each battled disease, constant threats, and despair with unwavering resolve.   Here are links to the other episodes mentioned in this episode: #40. Nurse Rosemary Hogan who worked at Sternberg Hospital with Maj. Goad #34. Lt Chet Britt served under Col. Boudreau’s command at Ft. Wint #44. Invasion of Corregidor #48. Capt. Morrill’s unlikely escape to Australia#50. The POW experience at the 92nd Garage on Corregidor  #24. Gen. Kings surrender of Battan and POW camp experiences    You’ll find images and maps about Col. Boudreau’s and Maj. Goad’s stories at: Left Behind Website (includes transcript with sources): Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  Left Behind Facebook page

82 years ago – April 9, 1942 – some 75,000 American and Filipino servicemen became POWs when Bataan peninsula fell to Japanese forces.   With in days the overwhelming majority of them were forced onto the Bataan Death March.   These are their stories.   I mention the following men in this episode: Jim Gallagher – Sportswriter from Philly who died on the first day of the march (Episode 27)Ray Hunt – The young air corpsman who escaped the march and became a guerilla leader (Episode 28)Jack and Bobby Aldrich – Brothers who served in the same Artillery unit and marched together (Episode 29)Gen Ed King – The man who surrendered Bataan (Episode 24)Lester Tenney – A tank man in the army reserves who was injured on but survived the Death March (Episode 2) Pantingan River Massacre – When the Japanese killed some 300 surrendered Filipino soldiers (episode 31)A young POW’s search for water at Camp O’Donnell (episode 32)

Sometimes I encounter not-so-great things while researching family trees. I’ll let you in on the 7 ways I handle bad blood and family secrets -- with sensitivity and empathy -- in the stories I research for Left Behind.   Here’s the link to Alma Salm’s episode (#50), which I mentioned in this episode.

Two days after Corregidor fell, more than 11,000 American and Filipino POWs were marched to a beachy cove known as the Army 92nd Garage.   Here they stayed, cramped, hungry, and thirty for nearly 3 weeks – baking in the tortuous Philippine sun because there was no protection from elements.   Among these men was my great-grandfather Alma Salm, who would endure 33 months of torturous POW life – experiences that would follow him home and color the remainer of his life.   Here are links to other episodes I mentioned in this episode: #40 – Describes the relentless week of bombings on Corregidor, leading up to the Japanese invasion.#44 – Details the Marines’ final fight to defend Corregidor#39 – The experiences of Alma Salm’s wife and daughter in Honolulu while Pearl Harbor was being attacked#32 – Life at Camp O’Donnell, where the Bataan Death March survivors were imprisoned after the march   You’ll find images and maps about the 92nd Garage and Alma Salm’s story at: Left Behind Website (includes sources)Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast Left Behind Facebook page

The 26th Cavalry were among the first to engage the Japanese invasion army in December 1942. Their critical role on the road to Bataan enabled the Allies’ successful withdrawal. Then they enacted the last horse-mounted cavalry charge in US history. Victor Verano – a historical reenactor and leader in The Philippine Scout Heritage Society – has spent 15 years working with 26th Cavalry veterans to preserve the history of their remarkable feats during WW2. Today he’s sharing: The movie he made in honor of the 26th Cavalry.Stories of the veterans’ he’s been honored to work with.The unmatched impact of that cavalry regiment and the other Philippine Scout regiments.   Wanna know why the Philippine Scouts were called “The Backbone of Bataan”? Check out their remarkable stories in these “Left Behind” episodes: Dan Figuracion (episode 6) – 26th Cavalry PS – May have been the first to fire a Garand rifle during WW2.Ed Ramsey (episode 11) – 26th Cavalry PS – Ordered the last cavalry charge.Felipe Fernandez (episode 26) – 26th Cavalry PS – Led a last-minute escape from Bataan.Alexander Nininger (episode 16) – 57th Infantry PS – the first person to receive the Medal of Honor during WW2.Ira Cheney (episode 17) – 57th Infantry PS – Declassified documents revealed a cover up regarding what actually happened to him on Bataan.Jose Calugas (episode 19) -- 88th Field Artillery PS – the only Filipino to win the Congressional Medal in WW2.Wilibald Bianchi (episode 20) -- 45th Infantry PS – the third and final man on Bataan to receive the Medal of HonorJim Daly (episode 38) – 45th Infantry PS – Bianchi’s best friend, who was severely injured in the Field Hospital at Bataan surrender.Chet Britt (episode 34) – 92nd Coast Artillery PS – A Bataan Death March and Oryoku Maru survivor whose wartime past could never leave him alone.Vicente and Marcos Mocorro (episode 35) – 91st Coast Artillery PS – A father and son who served side by side on the heavy artillery defending Corregidor Island.   You’ll find images and maps about Victory Verano and his work with the Philippine Scouts at: - Left Behind Website (includes sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook page

While The Philippine Islands fell to enemy forces on May 6, 1942, a small, open boat with 18 passengers quietly sailed out of Manila Bay under cover of darkness.   It was a last, desperate attempt to escape capture and make their way 2,100 miles to Australia.   And guess what? They made it.   This is an adventure story you don’t want to miss!   Here are links to the Battle of the Points episodes I mention in this episode: #13 – Frank Bridget’s Rag-Tag Infantry#14 – Henry Goodall’s Audacious War-Time Plans   You’ll find images and maps about this incredible escape story at: - Left Behind Website (includes sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast   - Left Behind Facebook

A behind-the-scenes look at the best, go-to resources used to the find the details of the POW war-time experiences I highlight on Left Behind. And, if you have a POW you’d like to know more about, download the “Finding Prisoners of Japan” guide that I made just for you.

In the early morning hours of May 6, 1942, a 22-year-old Signal Corps man telegraphed a frantic, play-by-play of the fighting and bombardment on Corregidor Island as Japanese forces moved ever closer to Malinta Tunnel.   Then the white flag was raised, and the US flag burned.   And the young man transmitted it to the world, as a nation wept.   I mentioned these POWs in the episode, here are links to their stories: Henry Goodall's audacious war-time strategies (Episode #14)Nurse Clara Bickford - abandoned on Bataan (Episode #25)Final transfers of Hall, Hutchison, & McManus (Episode #12)Felipe Fernandez: A daring Bataan escape (Episode #26)Frank Pyzick's first days (Episode #1)Louis Sontag & Brooks Miller's attempted escapes (Episode #5)Alan Manning at Cabanatuan (Episode #10)Father and son Vicente & Marcos Mocorro (Episode #35)Curtis Beecher defends Corregidor (Episode #36)The last photo of Kuykendall, Pressman, Wernher, Hough, & Wing (Episode #41)George Hamilton & Edwin Franklin meet the invading Japanese (Episode #44)   You’ll find images and maps about this young Signal Corps man and the final surrender at: Left Behind Website (includes sources): Instagram: @leftbehindpodcastLeft Behind Facebook

Throughout the past year, it’s been my privilege to research and tell the stories of several men of the 4th Marines. This week I’m revisiting the riveting accounts of 5 Marines and their pivotal role in the Philippines during World War II.   From the initial defense of the islands to the harrowing Battle of Corregidor, this episode showcases the unwavering courage and indomitable spirit of the Marines as they faced overwhelming odds in the Pacific Theater.   Discover the full story of these Marines contributions in The Philippines: Frank Pyzick: “The Marine Who Announced WW2” (#1)Alan Manning and finance Francis Long: “Stranded in Manila” (#10) Brooks Miller & Louis Sontag: “Heartbreaking Escapes” (#5)Curtis Beecher: “Defending the Rock” (#36)Battle of Corregidor: “Last Line of Defense” (#44)   You’ll find images about the 4th Marines in The Philippines at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript and sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook:

On the night of May 5-6, 1942, Japanese forces landed an invasion on Corregidor Island, the last remaining US fortress in The Philippines.   Waiting on the island’s beaches were the US Marines.   And they weren’t about to let the island go without the fiercest battle of their lives.   I mentioned these “Left Behind” episodes in this episode. Here are the links to check them out. Episode 36: Defending the Rock (Curtis Beecher)Episode 42: Last escape submarine from CorregidorEpisode 40: Nurses evacuated by planeEpisode 16: WW2’s First Medal of Honor: Alexander NiningerEpisode 13: Naval Battalion Saves BataanEpisode 1: Frank Pyzick: The Marine Who Announced WW2    For more information on the Corregidor Marines, check out these free sources: J. Michael Miller, "From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of The Philippines”Louis Morton, “The War in the Pacific: The Fall of the Philippines”   You’ll find images and maps about the Marine’s defense of Corregidor at: - Left Behind Website (includes transcript & sources)  - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast - Left Behind Facebook

The night of January 30-31, 2024, is the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Cabanatuan POW Camp in 1945. It's also marks the first anniversary of the “Left Behind” podcast. In This Left Behind the Scenes episode, we'll take a look at what we’ve accomplished in the past year (it's pretty remarkable) and get a glimpse at what’s coming in the second year! And I truly, humbly, thank you for your support of this important project.   - Left Behind Website - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast  - Left Behind Facebook

“Where’s Dan?”   A 24-year-old WW2 flight nurse asked this question every time she touched down on a new Pacific Island.   A veteran of the Bataan campaign, she had escaped Corregidor Island 2 days before it fell.   Once home, she joined flight nurse training and soon was hopping from one island’s front lines to another’s, sometimes under enemy fire.   What kept her going? She was looking for someone.     You’ll find images and maps about this flight nurse’s story at: - Left Behind Website (includes sources) - Instagram: @leftbehindpodcast - Left Behind Facebook   Here are links to the previous Left Behind episodes I mentioned in this episode: Episode 29: Bound by Blood, Forged by War – Bobby and Jack AldrichEpisode 25: Abandoned on Bataan – Clara BickfordEpisode 40: Escape into Enemy Hands – Rosemary HoganEpisode 15: The Unique WW2 Journey of Nurse Eunice Hatchitt

In the days leading up to the surrender of Corregidor Island, Army Major Paul Wing snapped a picture of 16 exhausted Army men in the Malinta Tunnel. That photo would be one of the last photos smuggled off the island just before the Fall of The Philippines. But that wasn’t the end of the story… All 16 men would soon become prisoners of war and endure hell ships, forced labor, and worse. This is their story.   You’ll find images and maps about the men in the last Finance Department photograph at: Left Behind Website (includes sources)Instagram: @leftbehindpodcastLeft Behind Facebook Page